Sick-time payouts jump as more state workers retire early

Thousands of employees are taking an option to retire early as the state tries to trim its workforce and balance the budget. But, as the Pioneer Press reports, many state employees take tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid sick time with them when they leave.

Thousands of employees are taking an option to retire early as the state tries to trim its workforce and balance the budget. But, as the Pioneer Press reports, many state employees take tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid sick time with them when they leave.

Some officials worry the state government won't be able to replace the skills now walking out the door in record numbers. The director of the state's retirement system says it's a combination of an aging public sector workforce and incentives to retire early.

Most of that cash would go into developing a new nickname and logo, according to a letter from university president Robert Kelley to the state's budget auditor. Removing the old logos would also cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of the city of Duluth in a case over retirement benefit cuts. The ruling gives the city the ability to cut retiree health insurance when it's doing the same for current employees.